The Perfect Option

GTG's new video was debuted during pregame last night, the same guys that brought you M-Train. I don't like Hip Hop, but this is pretty cool, lots of fun. Also, were was Welcome to the Jungle? I'm tired of Zombie Nation.

With the holiday coming up I'm kinda swamped today, especially after leaving early yesterday. So I'll bring you thoughts on the game later. It was fun to watch and I can see a bright future.

Watch the Tech Game on TV

As most of you know, tonight's game is only being broadcast on ESPN 360. If you don't have 360 and also don't have tickets but would like to watch then head over to Famous Pub on North Druid.

It seems it's the only sports bar in Atlanta which will be actually televising the Georgia Tech game. They have ESPN 360 connected to their viewing center and will be showing it on their 10ft screen.

I'd rather see you in Bobby Dodd Stadium making some noise, but if you can't make it swing by Famous.

Famous Pub
2947 N. Druid Hills Rd.
Atlanta , GA 30329

It Starts Tonight

Welcome Gamecocks, no, the other ones. - Jacksonville State

Note: I did these Team Previews last year...even though many of the opponents are the same this year I thought I'd give it another shot. Enjoy.


Name: Jacksonville State University

Location: Jacksonville Alabama

Year Established: 1883

Affiliation: Public

Mascot: Gamecocks - I think the idea of an angry fighting chicken is kinda cool.

Colors: Red & White

Student Population: approx 9,000 students

Favorite Celebrity Relation: Randy Owen, lead singer of the band Alabama.
Now we all know I'm not a huge country fan, but what would the Holidays be without hearing Christmas in Dixie every 10 min on your local lite rock station? Think they'll play us a little pregame Song of the South tomorrow? Maybe some Tennessee River?




Talented Hottie & Gift to America: You get a two for one. In 1995 JSU co-ed Heather Whitestone becomes the first hearing-impaired Miss America winner in pageant history.

So, do we wanna take bets on the number of times
she had to tell Tommy Thompson to keep his
hands to himself?

In The Term "Student-Athlete," Which Comes First? In October 2007, the College of Commerce and Business Administration at JSU was named one of the Best 290 Business Schools by the Princeton Review and ranked 2nd in providing the Greatest Opportunities for Women. In spring 2008, the website GetEducated.com ranked the Master of Science in Computer Systems and Software Design at JSU as second on their list of "best buys" among 67 online Master's programs in computer science and information technology offered by regionally accredited institutions in the United States.

Conference: Ohio Valley Conference (OVC)

Recent History: 6-5 in 2007

What I Feel Good About: The D-Line should be in their backfield all night. JaxState has a young O-Line... I expect to see big #99, #95 and #93 firmly planted in Perrilloux's face mask. Darryl, Vance and MJ should be fun to watch tomorrow.

What Worries Me: This is no cupcake game. I'm sure Paul Johnson has the team disciplined and they will take the Gamecocks seriously, as there are definite reasons why the Jackets should not assume this is a win simply because they are playing a lower division opponent. That said, they have a well respected coach and return 6 starters on both offense and defense and are picked by many to win their conference. The addition of Ryan Perrilloux (who was the MVP of the SEC Championship Game last season) is a wild card. If they can protect him from our D-Line, things could get interesting. If quicksand takes over for the Jackets, you could see an upset. There have been times when our offense hasn't looked so good in practice and scrimmage. If we can't move the ball, it keeps them in the game. If an upset happens the ripple effects would be disastrous. All the players that have bought into the system may begin to question things, not to mention the press would go nuts and all we'd hear is how Johnson's offense won't work. A side effect would be an empty stadium for the rest of the year and possibly into next. This team is so young, and untested, we simply don't know what we are going to get.

Who Needs To Play Well: The offense is where everyone will be looking, they need to move the ball, score points and show the progress they've made.

What I Want To See: Establishment. Nothing replaces real time in a real game. I'd really like to see the Jackets come out and establish the offense. Get into a rhythm and build confidence. No injuries goes without saying. I'd also like to see a surprising large and loud crowd.

Dislike-O-Meter: 1 - well, they are known as "The Friendliest Campus in the South" so you can't really hate them. They get a 1 just for being in the opponent.

Notable Blogs: I couldn't find any independent blogs - but their main athletics site is nice - JSUGamecockSports.com

Coming Next: Shipping Back to Boston

Paul Johnson Football Press Conference - REPLAY

If you missed the show from last night, you can listen to the replay below:

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

Updates

Just a few updates.

• This morning's Yellow Jacket Journal with Coach Johnson and Wes Durham is now available if you missed it, listen here. Listen to yesterday's here.

• A limited number of $12 seats are available for tomorrow nights game. Go to RamblinWreck.com and use the promo code STING. Or better yet, just call the ticket office @ 1-888-Tech-Tix

• Jacksonville State head football coach Jack Crowe had a press conference Monday, check out what he had to say here. You can watch the video here.

• The current injury report for Thursday night looks like this:

Probable
Anthony Egbuniwe, So., DE (Ankle)

Doubtful
Correy Earls, So., WR (Hamstring)

Out
Bryce Dykes, Fr., QB (Shoulder)
Omoregie Uzzi, Fr., OL (Ankle)

I hope to see Correy again soon out of the field, he's a blast to watch play.

• The AJC has had some nice articles out recently:

Jackets’ head coach keeps eye on kicking game
Georgia Tech preps for Perrilloux
Tech QB Shaw’s recruitment comes full circle
Perrilloux embraces second chance
Tech’s offensive line healthy for opener

A few days ago Terence Moore wrote about how "Tech’s offense won’t work this year," check out the video below.



Also, I hadn't received any confirmation on Matt Winkeljohn leaving the AJC, until now. You can get the details in his latest blog as well as some thoughts on Tech. Some of you thought Matt was too anti-Tech, some thought he was pro-Tech. I always felt he was fair and did a good job in covering the Jackets. He'll be missed. Goodluck Matt to you and your family and thank you for your dedication to covering Tech.

• Jack Wilkinson's Jack In The Box over at RR.com gives us 10 Reasons to be at Bobby Dodd tomorrow night.

• Here's news from the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on Jaybo Shaw and a write up from SportingNews.com

• Don't forget that traffic will be bad, this is Atlanta and the 14th Street Bridge Project just adds a new wrinkle. Get there early! I hate to see the stadium half empty through the first two quarters because everyone is sitting in their car.

Friday is COLLEGE COLORS DAY!!!

Don't forget to wear you White, Gold & Blue to the office on

Friday for College Colors Day also fly your car flags!!

www.collegecolorsday.com

1

Ahh...the little things.

Tiffany & The Inaugural Load

Well, after 10 years the old washer finally gave out. I gave it a good shot at fixing it myself... but sometimes you just have to let things go. So Tiffany and I decided that a new washer was in order. I made the trek to the laundry mat for a few weeks and although the people watching was fun it was just a means to an end as we saved up the money to pay cash in classic Dave Ramsey fashion.

We went with a scratch and dent model. So what, it had a little scuff on the bottom corner. It's going in a closet and I could care less what it looks like as long as it washes clothes well. Our sales guy was a Georgia Southern student working his way through college with a summer job, so I was pleased to give him the commission.

Our first major appliance purchase as a married couple...ahh, the little things.

2

Paul Johnson Football Press Conference - REPLAY

The folks over at RamblinWreck.com came through. Apparently "a technical error on the part of CBS College Sports prevented some fans from listening to the event live." Click the link below to listen to a replay of the Paul Johnson Press Conference. Thanks to RR.com for posting!

LISTEN - Paul Johnson Press Conference Replay.

Wes & MJ - One on One

Ugh

I'm not sure if you got to listen to the Press Conference...but I tried to pull up Ramblin' Wreck's All Access page for 15 min starting at 11:45 and all it did was crash my browser. I finally got fed up and decided to check over at our Flagship Station and see if they were carrying the press conference. Of course not, that would make too much sense, they were yapping about the Falcons. Back to RR.com and I finally got audio a little after 12 and although I enjoyed what Coach Johnson had to say, I had no clue what the questions were. Can someone please get the press some microphones?

So, sadly I can't give you much of a rundown other than Coach doesn't put much faith in the art of weather forecasting.

Maybe they'll post it later on RR.com

Paul Johnson Football Press Conference

If you would like to listen LIVE to the Paul Johnson football press conference at 11:45 today follow the link below

LISTEN LIVE - Football Press Conference

The first week of the season

You gotta love the count down to the first game of the season. Raise your hand if you'll get any work done Thursday or Friday? Yea, me neither. Your productivity this week will likely drop if you have any level of excitement for the season.

You may want to check out the AJC's Tech page this morning. There was a flurry of activity over the weekend featuring some nice articles. Terence Moore believes the Jackets are in for some growing pains this season, Mark Bradley thinks we'll start to hit on all cylinders after a few games. There is a good chance they are both right.

Matt Winkeljohn has a list of good articles to start off the season. Interviews with past Johnson players discussing the differences in there jobs between Johnson's TO and a more pro style offense, plus a glossary of good to know terms.

If you want to know more about what makes Michael Johnson tick, you can dive into his background via this Winkeljohn article.

Thomas Stinson has an informative look at the history of the option style offenses with words from veer creator Bill Yeoman, Auburn's Pat Dyle and Oklahoma's Barry Switzer.

Lots of good info here.

Also, RamblinWreck.com has revamped a little this year featuring a great GameDay Central page. Great option if you'll be listening on-line.

The Yellow Jacket Journal is up: download it here

A little info on Thursday's opponent here.

And the AP has us still working out the kinks.

Lunch Bunch today will feature Dan Radakovich, so get over to 5 Season's at the Prado in Sandy Springs for lunch. Brave the rain and let's show him we're excited about the season, the food is pretty good too.

The 2008 Georgia Tech PSA will play on the jumbotron at the games this year as the Ramblin Wreck does it's best General Lee impersonation. Per Double B over at BBuzzoff here is the background:

"Georgia Tech's PSA, which will air during every televised Yellow Jacket game this season, features senior volleyball player Stephanie Robbins.

Robbins is a defensive specialist on the Yellow Jacket volleyball team and a senior industrial engineering student at Georgia Tech. She is an active member of the Ramblin' Wreck Club, the group that upholds Tech traditions, encourages student spirit and is responsible for the upkeep
of the school's beloved mascot, the Rambling Wreck car.

Both of Robbins' parents earned their degrees from Georgia Tech, and her father was a four-year letterwinner for the Yellow Jacket baseball team. Her brother is in his first year as a member of Tech's swim team."



Let's just be glad it didn't end up like this.



So, how many of you plan on skipping Thursday's game to catch Obama's speech? Three letters, D-V-R. And I better not hear anyone saying you're gonna try and catch the Falcons last pre-season game instead of coming over to Grant Field, or even worse, complain that you might get wet.

By the way, has anyone had any experience with the Never Ending Pasta Bowl at Olive Garden? My buddy David Lowe once downed 24 flounder fillets at Hula Hoops in St. Augustine, it's was all you can eat night and he got his money's worth. Warning, that Never Ending Pasta Bowl is dangerous. Tiffany starting sweating about half way through the second bowl. Good thing the waiter didn't offer her a mint.

3

Have you seen me lately?

A couple of former Tech players are earning their stripes in the NFL preseason games.

Tashard Choice blocks a punt vs the Broncos and grabs a TD vs the Chargers.

Calvin Johnson is still a madman... 3 catches for 76 yards and a TD vs. the Bengals.

4

Blog Changes

Just wanted to let everyone know that I made a few changes to the blog. Many of you had requested the ability to sort posts via label name. Your wish is granted as I have now added a label library on the right side bar. Also on the left side bar below the menu there is now a way to easily subscribe to MOTG with popular feed readers. I had also noticed several other Tech resources that have popped up lately. Not to say they weren't already around, it's just that I didn't know about them or just hadn't gotten around to an update. New listings include:

Play at GT
Meet The Machine
The Legacyx4
White & Gold
Jacket Smack

5

Christmas in August

They're far between, the days that make life something special. You knew the feeling all to well as a child. The month long anticipation, flipping through the Sears catalog gazing at all the toy possibilities that could be coming your way in just a few long, painstaking, agonizing weeks. Finally the night before you couldn't sleep...waiting, hoping, wishing as you'd doze off. Your body finally taking over for your mind. Before the sun would rise you'd tear down the stairs overcome with the complete assault on your senses that only Christmas Morning could bring. The aroma of smoke from a fire mixed with fresh pine needles and coffee brewing. Your pupils forced to constrict from the saturating gleam as the morning light reflects off the stacks of boxes wrapped in brightly colored paper. The feel against your skin of spots of cool air as it wisps through a drafty house. Flannel pajamas and shag carpet. The sound of paper ripping.

Then again, maybe you just got a bag of coal.

Few and far between, those days. As you grow, those days may change, but they always contain a certain sense of wonder. The first day of school, the last day of school, your first date, the first game of the season, and of course the day your tickets finally arrive in the mail. All the potential, all the hope. Our tickets finally arrived and I just had to hug them.

There is still time to invest in success. Season tickets are still available and things this year are looking up. You may have read in a recent AJC article that ticket sales were not going so well and that Tech was lagging behind, falling short of last years total. Not true.

Per Dan Radakovich from the Aug 21st edition of The Good Word,

"Despite recent headlines to the contrary in our local newspaper, our season ticket sales have been encouraging. We have now surpassed the number of season tickets sold last year and the number continues to grow as we approach the opener. This is very positive in our current tough economy and in a year in which we have neither Georgia nor Clemson on our home schedule."

Getting Tech season tickets now is like grabbing a really sweet IPO, one that turns into Intel, Apple or Google. Winning sales and in the years to come I think Tech will have the same success that Navy has received. The BirdDog, a Navy Blog, says season ticket sales for football broke a record this year for the 4th year straight. And as they point out, Navy has some of the built in obstacles that sound very familiar. Small school, big market, lots of competition for the entertainment dollar, small alumni base that is geographically scattered, etc.

"Consider the following:

– The Naval Academy is a small, undergraduate-only school of about 4000 students that only puts out about 900-1000 graduates every year.

– While the average state school dumps thousands of graduates into its region each year, Naval Academy graduates are immediately sent away from Annapolis and cast to all corners of the country, and even the world.

– Within a 45-minute drive of Annapolis, you have:

* Two NFL Franchises
* Two Major League Baseball franchises
* A large, BCS-conference state school
* an NBA franchise
* an NHL franchise

…all of which have seasons that at least partially overlap with Navy football season.

Considering all that, it’s amazing that Navy has topped 23,000 season ticket sales, breaking its record for the fourth straight year. Winning is good!"

Also I have to say that I think the Jacket's Nest experiment has paid off. The Nest is a section of the upper north stands that were being sold at a discounted price of $150. That's a deal, and the entire section is sold out. Now lets just hope that those Nesters re-up next year and not turn that area over to UGA or Clemson fans.

In the end, winning sales tickets. Everyone knows it and winning is coming to Bobby Dodd Stadium, get there early.

Now I'm going to go snuggle with my tickets. We're gonna spoon.



LINK to Purchase Season Tickets

6

Taylor Swift makes me feel funny

You all know I'm not much of a fan of country music...it's just, well, too country. That's not to say I can't appreciate it musically. I have to give credit to country artists for actually being musicians. They play their own instruments, and many times they write and produce there own songs. Unlike Hip-Hop who built an industry off stealing other peoples music, and pawning it off as their own, but that's beside the point.

Ok, so saying Taylor Swift is country music is a stretch. It's more of an over homogenized, pop princess, Disney Channel country but the last 58 seconds of this video will make anyone with a Y chromosome take notice.

Paul Johnson = Jack Bauer

I posted this way back in Feb. But for those of you who haven't seen it it's worth a look.

PJ has mad skills

Listen to the Paul Johnson show

If you missed last night's first broadcast of the Paul Johnson coaches radio show... well, you missed some fun. Listen at the link below.

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

FYI: you'll have to have iTunes
you can also subscribe to receive future broadcasts via iTunes.

7

Bug squashed? I can only hope.

As you know I've been trying to fix the IE display bug for sometime now. Remember this rant from a few days ago? LINK

Well, maybe, just maybe I have it fixed. Temporarily. I had it fixed one time before and of course Internet Explorer decided to be the sad excuse for a browser it is and bring back the problem.

So... being a Mac user I don't use IE. But those of you that are I'll need your help in keeping this little creature in check. If you pull up the site one day and the blue and gold background is missing please let me know. It views fine in all other browsers.

Happy Birthday Coach!

Apparently, today is Coach Johnson's 51st Birthday.

Hope he got a nice cake!

Paul Johnson Radio Show - UPDATE

We've had a last minute change to the call-in number:

NEW NUMBER: 1-866-477-7020

Just wanted to make sure you guys burn up the right phone line.

Don't Forget - The Paul Johnson Radio Show Debuts TONIGHT

Tune into 790 The Zone tonight at 7pm for the first Paul Johnson Radio Show hosted by Wes Durham.

This week and next week the show will be broadcast from the studio, but beginning September 3, the show will air live from Fox Sports Grill in Atlantic Station. Fans are welcome to attend. Enjoy a meal while the Georgia Tech cheerleaders, Ramblin' Wreck and Buzz entertain. Door prizes will be given.

What's the biggest difference between this new show and the ones from the past few years... well, it's a call-in show.

I'll provide audio of the show here on the blog tomorrow, so check back to listen if you miss it tonight.

The call-in number for questions is: 1-888-ISP-RADIO (1-88-477-7234).

For a complete List of 2008 Football Radio Affiliates click the link below:
LINK

Here is the current schedule for shows:

2008 Program Schedule
August 20
August 26 (Tuesday)
September 3
September 10
September 17
October 1
October 8
October 15
October 22
October 29
November 5
November 12
November 18 (Tuesday)
November 26

And I shall call him, Adamm

And he shall create... Meet The Machine.com

Awhile back, near the beginning of the year, a new web site popped up on the scene that has since caught fire. Adamm Oliver, former defense end at Georgia Tech developed MeetTheMachine.com. I've been promising to do a write up for sometime now in hope of giving MTM a little promotion, promotion that it no longer needs. So, they say better late than never, and in an effort to keep big #42 from squishing me like a bug... here we go.

MTM was originally many things, a blog, a message board, and a information depot for the NFL draft. But one of MTM's more interesting elements and it's crowning jewel is it's radio show.

For all the complaining that we hear from Tech fans regarding the two local sports talk stations, whether they do or do not talk enough Tech. Oliver's twice a week internet based radio show has given Tech fans an alternative to the traditional media.

Yours truly was an early guest on the show as I rattled off a few questions for Adamm and his team mate Matt Rhodes. Questions that showed my one semester as a journalism major, good and bad. Since then, Machine Radio has developed a following of faithful Tech fans that tune in on Monday and Wed night at 9pm to get interviews and commentary from Adamm, along with fellow hosts Irish E, Double B and the ever informative 33jacket. It's good stuff and meaty.

If you are new to MTM and have missed past broadcasts, don't fear. The archives are quite extensive, featuring past guests including:

Paul Johnson, Josh Nesbitt, Michael Johnson, Derrick Moore, Jaybo Shaw, Jamie Newberg, Andy Tidwell-Neal, Clay Farr, Travis Chambers, Mike Parris, Scott Sisson, Randy Rhino, Jeremiah McClary, Jon Muyers, Jeff Woolverton, Giff Smith, Bill Wagner, Scott Kennedy, Greg Gathers, Dan Voss, Brad Sellers and Brent Key.

All broadcasts can be heard streaming on the website as well as downloadable podcasts. Live broadcasts can be heard via MeetTheMachine.com as well as BBuzzOff.com. I've been working on providing a link on MOTG to the live show, and as soon as I get the errors worked out on my end I'll let you know.

Too listen to my interview with Adamm and Matt, just click the link below (warning, my signal was pretty soft, so I'm really faint and you'll have to crank the volume to hear the questions delivered by my annoying nasally tone.)

Audio of MOTG interview with MTM

Adamm was nice enough to provide me with a few additional written responses to questions not covered on the radio show.

---------------------------------------

Tell me about the website, what made you decide to it? What is different about MTM from other Tech related sites? What's the long term goal?

I wanted to build a website where the players could interact with the fans on a more personal level. The only GT website run by a GT player and unlike other GT websites I have a lot of good connections among the players and the coaches. Irish E, Jim (Double B), and I would like to expand the MTM radio show


Any push back on the site from the powers that be?

As long as we respect the Institution and the GTAA they’re all for it. There are certain requests they have made and we have complied with them.


With your current workload in prepping for the NFL, I find it hard to believe you're sitting in a dark room somewhere typing out html code, do you have a staff of volunteers helping to run the site? Wanna give them a shout out?

I did a lot of the development and ideas in the beginning, however now I get a lot of help on the site from my staff Irish E (runs Meetthemachine.com) and Jim (Double B, our other radio host) It’s great, now all I have to do is talk on the show, and type in some topics and replies on the forum while still having time to workout and develop my skills for the NFL.


Did Tenuta ever call you a bad/nickname? Other than Machine of course.

He called me “Blockhead” among many others that I really can’t say….


The balance of Academics vs Athletics always seems to be a battle among many in the Tech Nation. How would you handle this balance regarding the concept of expanded majors or revised entrance requirements and the time spent in both the academic and athletic classroom?

Time Management. Every day I would wake up and plan my day minute by minute. Usually the only free time I would have was at night.


Thoughts on the new regime?

It should be an exciting future the players, coaches, and the fans


Of all the schools to attend and play football, what made you pick GaTech? Would you recommend Tech to recruits?

You can’t beat the combination of a great education and the athletics at GT. There is no school that has the tradition and excellence of a student athlete from GT. So yes, I would HIGHLY recommend GT to new recruits.


As a player with a long career at Tech (approx 41 games?) what memories stands out? A story you'd tell your grand kids.

The Clemson Game ’04. Also, there was a game my red shirt freshman year, I didn’t play much the whole game and then for one reason or another I went into the game, they were driving and we were up by 1. I went in for 1 play and got a 15 yard sack which got them out of field goal range and we won the game (this was against NC state)


Is Kool Korners the best Cuban sandwich in town?

Yeah, it is a really good Cuban, but they only take cash…..


Most fans yelling from the stands never sweat and bleed on that field, with that in mind, tell me one thing you wish fans could see from a players perspective?

Answer via radio interview


Lets say you are elected president of the Tech Nation, if you had unlimited resources, and complete control, give me an idea of changes you would make to Ga Tech Athletics. What would you change about the school in general? What is perfect as is and should never change?

Answer via radio interview


You were in the locker room the day the phrase "Mash On The Gas" was born. Obviously that's a special day for us here over at MOTG. Can you give us some special insight on that moment?

Answer via radio interview

Options

Click to enlarge

OK...soon, very soon we will stop talking about the unis...I promise. I'm sure the point of uni overload is quickly approaching. But until then Beenaz over at The Hive put together a few options of I guess what could have been. Nice work on his part by the way.

What do you think, any of these you'd rather see?
Discuss.

Updates

Photo Credit: Ben Gray - AJC

New Unis
You guys have been blowing up the poll, this is a good thing as I always pass on the results to the powers that be and they've always welcomed the info. There were a few reports on the local news last night showing video of the "fashion show" and I think many of you may like them better once you see them in real life... they did look better on the television. Word is right now that the gold jerseys will be for special occasions, and I'm still hearing that blue jerseys exist. So maybe we'll break out the blue's for at least one game this year. Over all this is about much more than new unis...as with most things is comes down to money. The deal is 10 year and could be over 20 million bucks before it's all said and done.

One of the more interesting parts of the deal is that Tech will now act as a laboratory of sorts allowing Russell to test new materials, designs in a real life environment. They will consider Tech a "Performance Institution." I guess this could be a good thing for the athletes, at least you know you won't be stuck with 10 year old worn out unis. This deal is also designed to help get more Tech merchandise out on the market... something most of us have been asking for since Radakovich arrived.

Over all the deal will give Tech not just cash and athletic apparel, but it gives us the ability to pay wholesale prices, funds towards camps and clinics, apparel for staff and what I think is a nice perk for student-athletes, two Russell internships per year. Russell in turn gets tickets, parking passes, usage of facilities and of course advertising. Signage at Grant Field as well as two commercials via the jumbotron.

Also winning pays, specific to football, different wins are worth different things. ACC Championship will bring you 20k, BCS bowl game yields 50k and a National Championship 100k.

In a side note...this deal does not include shoes. Russell currently doesn't make shoes as many of the other athletic apparel companies do, but they may in the future.

Jack Wilkinson has a nice article on RamblinWreck.com. A few things caught my eye. When Paul Johnson was asked about the "new style" he said,

"They were here when I got here, I don't worry about stuff like that. I just try to make sure everybody works hard."

Looks like the decision was already made...not that Johnson would have had an opinion, but I wonder what advice he would have given regrading newly designed unis?

Here's what Darrel Richard had to say,

"In the college game, you've got to [adjust], they're still white and gold. The things that get people excited about the games -- whether it's recruits, or fans, or uniforms -- that gets people into the stands. "You've got to understand, it's 17-, 18-year-olds we're dealing with, not 50-year-old men," said Richard, who's keenly aware of the importance of marketing. "The uniforms are stylish. I think they bridge the gap from the old to the new. For a long time we haven't been doing that. And the uniforms can help do it."

Be sure to check out Jack's story at the link below.

LINK - Jack Wilkinson
LINK - AJC Story
LINK - AJC Winkeljohn Blog


David Brown
Looks like Brown has been blessed with a sprained ankle. This is good news. He may miss the opener but lets hope he heals quickly and is back soon. The O-Line needs depth, and the senior leadership and experience he brings is important on a young team.

LINK - AJC


Perfect Option T-Shirts now avaliable
"The Perfect Option" official Football T-shirt for 2008 is now on sale at Barnes & Noble Bookstore. It will also be on sale outside the Student Center this Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10am to 3pm. Stop by and pick yours up. $5 from each purchase goes back to fund student initiatives on campus.

This image is the back of the shirt. Front has a small GT with Buzz insignia with "2008" on the upper left chest.


More News
Tony Barnhart takes a look at Jacksonville State - LINK

The Sporting News talks to Word-Daniels - LINK

Bleacher Report has a good read on the offense - LINK

8

New Uni's

Well, here you go. Looks like the gold and white crowd had their way... no blue jersey. I'm sure it will be the "Throwback" jersey this year.

All in all the gold jersey with the white pants isn't so bad. I just hate those stripes... especially down the leg. The original throwbacks were beautiful, why not just go with those?

What do you think?

LINK

New Depth Chart - Again

I kinda wonder why bother posting this... It's gonna change as quickly as Obama changes his position on issues.

LINK to download PDF

New Unis Today - plus a few updates

I don't know about you, but I think the practice unis are sweet.
Gold Hat, Blue Jersey and White Pants... classic and simple.

Yea, you thought you had seen the new unis at the Great Jacket Encounter... well, not all of them. There are variations and we'll find out today what those are. Blue Jersey maybe...maybe not? If so you can sit back and watch all the Gold & White purists cry in their Golden lager. Then some people like myself will love it. White helmet? Humm... What about those of you that love the mustard pants? Well, I'm hearing rumblings of a white replacement... Heck maybe they will scrap the entire Area Football look all together? Wait and see.

A few days ago when the Depth Chart was released I had a feeling that it had little meaning... yesterday Paul Johnson confirmed that at least in terms of A-Backs and WRs it really didn't matter much who started, they play on playing 4-5 people at each position at any given time. Here's what he had to say,

“We’re going to play four or five A-backs and four or five receivers, so I’m not sure it really matters so much who starts.”

So, has the next week and a half whines down expect to see those that received the most work in practice to take the field, while the players that have been slowed by injuries will be in the mix and everyone has an opportunity to more solidify their spot based on their performance on the playing field. Meaning you'll see plenty of Greg Smith and Correy Earls if they are healthy. Current number of injured players is down to five... the lowest since July.

Be sure to check the great Q&A Bill Sanders from the AJC had with Calvin Booker. I particularly like the statements below, Calvin has a good head on his shoulders and I for one am proud to have him as a member of this team and as a representative of this school. This is what you get when you bring in high character players. Calvin gets the big picture, and I'm looking forward to seeing him on the field this year.

"3. What would you do differently if you had to do it over again? “Nothing. No regrets. I’m almost a 23-year-old grown man now. I can’t look back on the decisions I made when I was 17 and think I should have done something differently. I’m fortunate to be at Tech. I’m glad I went to Auburn, but now I’m here and am going to get a degree. I need seven more hours to graduate and I’ll have a diploma from Georgia Tech. First things first.”

4. What were your expectations when you transferred here from Auburn and can you still meet those expectations? “When I left Auburn, the decision wasn’t a football one. I was using football to get into Tech and get a degree. I realized that I couldn’t be chasing football, that I should be chasing an education. I could have gone elsewhere and probably started, but I don’t regret coming here for a minute.”

Photo Credit: Johnny Crawford - AJC

LINK

9

The Buzz - New Issue

The September 2008 edition of "The Buzz" magazine is now available, featuring an Insider's Guide to Paul Johnson's System and articles about Bobby Cremins, Amanda McDowell, Stephanie Robbins, Matt Hickey and Leland Strange. PDF version is avaliable at the link below.

Download "The Buzz"

Scrimmage Rundown

Photo Credit: Todd R. McQueen - AJC

I was able to make it to the scrimmage Saturday morning, it was nice and cool as they had the east stands open to the public. I love the feel of a college campus as students return for the fall. Parents helping unload the family car, packs of potential sorority girls in sun dresses on tour from house to house, always a site that will make you drive into a parked car. And of course the crack of shoulder pads and helmets, the high pitch of a whistle in the background. Sounds trailing through the air, all culminating into an energy, the type you get right before a thunderstorm. It may have been worth a trip down to campus for just that... but there was also football to watch.

Now I'll be the first to say that watching practice is much like, well, watching practice. I, by no means claim to be a football expert, or a coach. So I'll openly admit that watching the 3rd string offense take on the 2nd string defense leaves me little ammo in the way of commentary on the status of the team or the potential for the upcoming season. It's just simply hard to tell sometimes.

What I can say is the most depth on the team is the D-Line, no doubt. I don't see many teams being able to run on us consistently this year, if we stay healthy... so expect to see our opponents come out slinging the ball. This could be an issue since I see the area with the least amount of depth to be the secondary. The O-Line is where I see the most issue, and it's hard to tell if their problems come from a combination of the D-Line being that good and the fact that they've seen these plays over and over. Or is the O-Line just struggling from injuries and a lack of depth, and execution? Something I'm not sure can be determined from my limited perspective until we get several games into the season against D1 level opponents.

Several players stood out. Lucas Cox, Anthony Allen and Tyler Melton all looked good and will all be great in the future. Calvin Booker throws a nice ball and I have a feeling that we'll see him behind center more than many assume. I think all of this everyone already knows.

I expect the next two weeks to be relatively quiet. Coaches know what they have and I assume the intensity of practice will be dropped down a few levels, hits won't be as hard. Injuries have been piling up and we need to heal. Both David Brown and Bryce Dykes went down in Saturdays scrimmage, we won't know the extent of their injuries until today. Nesbitt and Gardner are still out as well.

Here's what Coach Johnson had to say regarding injuries,

“We’ve got a lot of guys banged up, and we’re running short of numbers,” Johnson said. “We’re to the point where I know what they can do, so we just got to get ready to play.

“The practice [plan] will change [Monday], but the pace won’t change. There will be contact. We won’t take the backs to the ground most of the time.”

One thing that is apparent, we have come a long way since the Spring Game, but have we come far enough? Far enough to make it through the early part of the schedule? This, I just don't know. I am concerned... I can see us starting to get into sync after 3-4 games and will continue to get better from there... But the first handful of games may be ugly, low scoring defensive battles. Offering up many 2 yard runs and many 3 and outs. If I'm right, don't get discouraged... one thing we all know is you learn best by doing.

So, am I wrong? What do you think?

LINKS

AJC-1

AJC-2

RamblinWreck.com

Angelo Taylor wins the Gold!

Special Congratulations to Tech's own Angelo Taylor for bringing home the Gold Metal in the 400 Meter Hurdles with a time of 47.25.

Angelo Taylor was the Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medalist and Athens 2004 semifinalist.

Angelo bringing home the gold in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney

LINK

10

Excuse me sir, but could you keep your elbows to yourself

Hungarian weightlifter Janos Baranyai likes to pick up heavy things.

Depth Chart Thoughts - Injury Update - Some News

Photo Credit: AJC - Johnny Crawford

Depth Chart Thoughts
I had a feeling when the depth chart was released that there might be a lot of mumbling regarding the order of things. Sure, there were surprises, but when has Paul Johnson ever given you any indication that he plays it by the traditional book? I have a feeling that a depth chart is little more than a list of names on a sheet of paper to Coach Johnson. In other words, don't hang your hat on it. If a player wants to play, then all he has to do is show he's the best man for the job. The minute he believes he's entitled to a starting spot is the minute he finds a nice comfy spot on the bench. The minute a player starts whining, complaining and pointing fingers is the moment you'll see coach walk out on the field and drag that player to the sidelines by his face mask. I have little doubt.

In other words...take this debt chart with big ole grain of non-iodized sea salt.

Comments?

LINK - Macon.com
LINK - AJC


Injury Update
On a side note, there also seems to be some stressing among fans regarding Nesbitt's shoulder injury. He has been kept out of practice and is listed as day-to-day. The Jackets cancelled practice this afternoon and Nesbitt will also miss the final open scrimmiage tomorrow. Don't worry, he'll be fine. Yes, he needs every moment of practice we can squeeze out, the whole team does. But the staff is not going to agravate an injury. Barring anything unforseen...He'll be your starting QB come Aug 28th. Andrew Gardner was also held out of Friday’s session and is not likely to see action tomorrow at scrimmage.

LINK


Other News
In an odd turn of events it appears that four players will be suspended for the opener... Jacksonville State players that is. Apparently it's punishment for the ever mysterious "violation of unspecified team policies." Humm.

LINK

Tech night at The Ted

Don't forget, tonight is Georgia Tech night at the Braves. The game starts at 7:30 vs. the San Francisco Giants. Friday night fireworks are after the game.

Featured will be performances by the Georgia Tech Dance Team, Glee Club, Cheerleaders, and Drumline for Georgia Tech Night at Turner Field. Additionally, Georgia Tech athletes will be recognized and on hand to greet fans in Fan Plaza before the game. During the game the Georgia Tech Marching Band will perform many of the fans favorite tunes, while Glee Club will perform God Bless America during the 7th inning. The Rambling Wreck will also deliver the first pitch ball to Georgia Tech's Amanda McDowell, the 2008 National Women's Singles Tennis Champion.

You can purchase tickets at the link below:

Link to Buy Braves Tickets

Depth Chart is out

Click on image to enlarge

The depth chart dated Aug 13th has been released. Not sure how set in stone it is but I will say it's interesting that Lucas Cox is listed as a starting A-Back....Greg Smith second. Looks like the injury might have set him back. Jaybo Shaw is listed at backup QB as expected, followed by Dykes. Dig in and see what you think....so....what do you think?

LINK to download PDF

Practice Updates - Bug Report

I've just been swamped the last few days between the day job and the night job. Tiffany gets sick of glancing over as once again the glow from my multi-screen Mac setup sucks the life juice from my eye sockets. But hey, freelance pays.


BUG
Just wanted to bring you a few updates and a little blog bug that seems to be going around. First off let me say, have I expressed my hate for all things Microsoft lately? Not only do they subject the world to the crap that is PowerPoint and Word (eloquent ain't I) but they also graced us with Internet Explorer. So all those faithful readers out there who are using IE just be warned that the blue background on the blog doesn't display. At all. Not even a little bit. Who knows why, maybe IE just doesn't feel like it, or maybe it has decided for me that the blue background is not necessary. Microsoft products like to think for me, since I'm incapable of thinking for myself. So, it's still readable, all the content is the same, it's just not as pretty. My personal suggestion would be for those PC users using IE to switch over to Firefox, and give Microsoft the finger in the process. But hey, that's just me with all my pent up anger. Maybe I'll fix it soon, then again, maybe not... why should I cater?


GT NEWS
Ok, enough ranting. On to some GT news. You may have heard that Nesbitt got injured in practice this week...don't worry I'm told he will be fine. Just a shoulder stinger, they may rest him a little and give the backups a few more reps. In the aftermath Coach Johnson is being hammered in the press for allowing live hits on his QBs during practice.

In an article from SI.com Johnson had this to say as the reporters obviously irritated him,

"You guys crack me up," he said. "We've practiced 17 days and we haven't had a quarterback miss a day of practice. A guy gets a bruise on his shoulder, and we're going to change the way we practice? How does Georgia practice? They've lost a bunch of guys, haven't they?"

Gotta love it. LINK

On the injury front Greg Smith was back in action as was A.J. Smith and Roddy Jones.

Looks like things are still on for the scrimmage Sat at 9:30....this will be your last chance to take a look before CPJ closes practice to work on super secret skills.


Also, anyone who thinks the Red Communist China Olympic "Girls" Gymnastics Team are a day over the age of 12 is nuts. I've got milk in the fridge older. My big round head weighs more than 68 pounds.

More Later...


GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE
All the invites have gone out via e-mail and snail mail, so far the response has been great as RSVPs are pouring in. Make sure to check back frequently for coming updates regarding the GDE.

Movie Review

The Dark Knight
Let me begin by expressing those things in which TDK is not.

The Dark Knight is not a kids movie, it's not a super-hero movie, in fact, it's not even an action movie. TDK is however a study in the unexplained. A classroom lecture of the psychological makeup of the dark underbelly of human nature. The parts that are pushed and pulled through circumstances into that which is difficult to comprehend. Evil for the sake of evil, free of reason, free of thought, and free of conscience. Remember those times when you watch the evening news and see a story that is so horrific in nature that you wonder how? How does this happen? The senseless atrocities that make you wonder at what point did that person's switch flip. Where, when and how did they lose all sense of reality and compassion? Did they ever have it?

Director Christopher Nolan makes his second venture into the revised Batman franchise. And as much as I enjoyed Tim Burton's original, the shadowed Batman of Nolan's universe is much more inline with what I think the character and the stories he inhabits are about. Darkness.

The majority of the cast returns with Kate Holmes being replaced by Maggie Gyllenhaal as the childhood friend of Bruce Wayne. The feisty assistant DA Rachel plays much more of a pivotal role this time around, not to give anything away. The film sports an excellent ensemble cast but regardless of the title of the film, Christian Bale's Batman is largely a secondary character, nearly a pawn thrust into the madness that is the The Joker, he's the star.

The tragic events that surround the film come to mind with out a mention of the untimely passing of Heath Ledger. I was wondering if his swan song would be difficult to watch, and it is, but not for the obvious reasons. The idea that Ledger is on the screen is almost non-existent, only The Joker is there. And I can say with no hesitation that Ledger's performance is nothing short of astounding. Rarely do you see someone envelope a character so fully. It required entry into a very dark place, and If coming back from that place was difficult I can envision how it could have played a role in his death. An Oscar nomination is guaranteed, a win likely.

The Joker is built off mystery and pain. Like Hannibal Lecter and Michael Myers before him the Joker's compete lack of history defines his creepiness. Nolan makes an effort time and time again to illustrate how little we know. There are a few times which you are tempted with history only to find everything you thought you knew was wrong. Ledger is unnerving yet mesmerizing to watch.

Nolan also makes the point that the life of a super-hero is not without it's consequences and not a life to be admired. Regardless of what the comic book portrayed, it's a lonely life, void of romance and built on Hamlet like misgivings. Any progress gained is short lived.

When it comes to summing up The Dark Knight...I think Alfred said it best, "Some men aren't looking for anything logical. They can't be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn." The film is epic, tragic and haunting. The Dark Knight is commentary on a world where we wage war against those forces, which are not built on reason and are impossible to ignore.

* Aside from TDK, I'll have a quick rundown of all the other films I've seen this summer shortly.